Atsu runs the rule over Ronaldo and Messi

Ghana attacker Christian Atsu is the latest to wade into the unending debate of who’s the greatest footballer of all time.

The nimble-footed winger shares an assemblage of similarities with the two most iconic men in current world football, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

While Real Madrid and Portugal midfielder Ronaldo boasts of three Fifa Ballon d’Or awards, Argentina and Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi impressively has four of the flagship football gong to his name.

 “When I was growing up in Ghana, the one I was looking up to was Lionel Messi,” Atsu told Cross the Line.

“I think he is the greatest footballer and I think that he’s also very humble.”

At the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil, Atsu lasted the entire duration as Ghana lost 2-1 to a Ronaldo-led Portuguese side in their last Group G game.

“In the World Cup with Ghana, I played against Cristiano Ronaldo,” Atsu remarked when quizzed on the best player he’s ever had to come up against.“He was unbelievable.”

Both Ronaldo and Messi, together with Brazil forward Neymar, are ready for a showdown on Monday as Fifa announces the winner of the 2016 Ballon d’Or.

Following an unsuccessful loan stint with Premier League side Bournemouth where he failed to make a single league appearance, Atsu is currently training with parent club Chelsea amid speculations of another imminent loan move.